The 7 Best Laptops for Working From Home

The Dell XPS 15 is a superior choice for those working from home. It's lightweight, has a powerful processor, features a vibrant screen, and has exceptionally high-quality speakers.

The Intel Core i7 processor and 1TB SSD storage can handle tasks demanded by most jobs using CPU-intensive apps. Architects and engineers, for example, will be confident with its performance thanks to the generous 64GB of RAM and 8-core processor. Whereas writers will enjoy its excellent keyboard and love the large and accurate trackpad.

The display is vibrant and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. However, those needing color accuracy should know that it has an average Delta E grade. Therefore, it may not be ideal for photographers, graphic designers, etc.

While the Dell XPS 15 is undoubtedly a powerhouse, it doesn't boast a particularly strong battery. It is okay if you work from your kitchen and have access to a steady power supply, but it could be a problem for digital nomads living somewhere with an unreliable power supply or anyone living in a disaster-prone area.

• Webcam supports Windows Hello
• Fingerprint reader on power button
• Large trackpad
• High-quality speakers

• Brand: Dell
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• CPU: Intel Core i7-11700H
• Memory: 64GB
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home
• Battery: 8 hours
• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x Full size SD card reader v6.0, 1x Headphone & Mic Audio Jack, 1x USB-C to USB-A v3.0 & HDMI v2.0 adapter included
• Camera: 720p
• Display (Size, Resolution): 15.6-inch, 1920x1200
• Weight: 4.22lbs
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
• Dimension: 13.57 x 9.06 x 0.71 inches
• Model: XPS 15 9510 Elite

Although the M1 Max is a more powerful chip, MacBook users buying machines with the lower-priced M1 Pro chip will not be squandering an opportunity. Make no mistake—this chip can handle just about anything you throw at it.

With 16GB of RAM, professionals from most fields will be able to use this machine seamlessly with multiple programs and apps in operation. You can configure it to 32GB RAM and a whopping 8TB of storage for a price. These upgrades will make the device suitable for any profession requiring CPU-intensive apps.

The build quality is excellent, with a sturdy and lightweight aluminum enclosure, and its sleek design and relatively small weight make it an ideal choice for those working from home. The battery performance is also a significant plus for on-the-go professionals or even stay-at-home remote workers that like a change of scenery at the cafe.

At the end of a long day, watching your favorite entertainment apps, chatting with friends on FaceTime, or just simply browsing the web is an enjoyable experience. With the 2021 Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch's immersive display and high-quality audio, it's hard to find a reason to turn it off.

• Backlit Magic Keyboard
• Liquid Retina XDR display
• Unyielding aluminum enclosure
• Touch ID

• Brand: Apple
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• CPU: M1 Pro 10-core
• Memory: 16GB
• Operating System: MacOS
• Battery: Up to 21 hours
• Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2, 1x HDMI, 1x SDXC, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x MagSafe 3 port
• Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD camera
• Display (Size, Resolution): 16.2-inch XDR, 3456x2234
• Weight: 4.7lbs
• GPU: Apple 16-core
• Dimension: 14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a well-priced laptop suitable for many types of remote work. The Intel 11th-generation CPU powers the device, and it has an ample amount of RAM at 12GB. Budget laptops typically do not feature such a fast CPU and often only have 4 to 8 GB of RAM.

The Intel Core i5 processor can easily handle most tasks, and the Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU is good enough for most remote work. The build quality, too, is decent despite its low price. Couple this with the seven-hour battery life and slim build, and it's easy to see why the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is great for remote workers.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has a solid 300-nit 1080p IPS panel, which is also a multi-touchscreen, meaning it's pretty versatile depending on how you want to work. You can comfortably use it in different environments without having to squint, allowing you to be able to work indoors or outdoors. However, if you plan to attend virtual meetings or hold conferences, you may find the webcam doesn't offer the best quality; an additional purchase might be required.

• FHD multi-touch screen
• IPS technology for wide viewing angles
• Webcam shutter
• Backlit keyboard

• Brand: Lenovo
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7
• Memory: 12GB
• Operating System: Windows 11
• Battery: Up to 7 hours
• Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1 x SD, media card reader, 1x 3.5mm Headphone Jack
• Camera: 0.3MP, with Privacy Shutter
• Display (Size, Resolution): 15.6-inch, 1920x1080
• Weight: 3.74 lbs
• GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Dimension: 13.8 x 9.1 x 0.75 inches

Users who employ incredibly high CPU-intensive apps may wish to go for the M1 Pro or M1 Max chip found in other MacBooks. However, the M1 chip in the MacBook Pro 13-inch is a fantastic choice for everyone else. In addition to its remarkable performance, it uses only a fraction of the power of other laptops, so it meets the needs of most professionals.

Battery life is exceptional with this laptop, which is a convenient aspect that those working from home need to consider. Excellent battery life means you can take your work away from home to the cafe or even the park.

With an incredible 20 hours of battery life in this machine, you will unlikely feel the stress associated with a draining battery at a critical time. Also, its sleek and lightweight design means that you can easily pack and move with minimal effort. While the camera quality isn't the best, it is good enough for virtual meetings or online classes to pass without incident.

• True Tone technology adjusts the display to your light conditions
• Touch bar and touch ID
• Comfortable scissor-switch keyboard

• Brand: Apple
• Storage: 256GB
• CPU: 3.2 GHz M1 chip
• Memory: 16GB
• Operating System: macOS Monterey
• Battery: 20 hours
• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3, 3.5mm audio input
• Camera: 720p FaceTime HD camera
• Display (Size, Resolution): 13.3-inch, 2560x1600
• Weight: 3 lbs
• GPU: Integrated
• Dimension: ‎14.75 x 11.25 x 4.25 inches

The HP Spectre 14T brings aesthetics and power together with one of the best 2-in-1 laptops on the market. On the one hand, it is a powerful laptop with an Intel Core i7 CPU, which will handle most of your work tasks exceptionally well. On the other hand, the design is stunning, which isn't a clincher for a remote worker, but it certainly adds to its appeal.

It conveniently converts into a tablet whenever needed and comes complete with the MPP2.0 Tilt Pen. It is a perfect accessory for those that prefer to make handwritten notes when attending virtual meetings or those working in creative industries. The pen's battery has a long life, so you can feel confident it will last for the entirety of any task.

The 13.5-inch screen has a 3:2 ratio, which is seen more in the laptop market nowadays. This ratio means less zooming in and out and less scrolling, saving you time and keeping you organized and focused.

• 2-in-1 convertible
• 3:2 Display with OLED
• MPP2.0 Tilt Pen

• Brand: HP
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
• Memory: 16GB
• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
• Battery: Up to 10 hours
• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x 3.5mm audio
• Camera: HP True Vision 720p
• Display (Size, Resolution): 13.5-inch, 1920x1280
• Weight: 3lbs
• GPU: integrated Intel Xe Graphics
• Dimension: 11.75 x 8.67 x 0.67 inches

Although Razer Books are usually for gamers, the Razer Book 13 deserves a mention as a suitable laptop for working from home. It is Razer's first laptop intended for work productivity.

However, for those remote-working gamers out there, never fear—you can fit the Razer Book 13 with an eGPU, such as the Razer Core X, which will convert it into a laptop you can use for work and for gaming in your spare time. The major downfall, though, is that a good eGPU doesn't come cheap, and for digital nomads, it will add considerable weight and take up more space in your luggage.

The Razer Book 13 alone has a good enough performance for working from home, so it is one traveling remote workers can consider. If you tend not to travel so much, you can use the eGPU for gaming and work productivity.

• RGB lit keyboard
• 16:10 edge-to-edge lit display
• Excellent multi-core performance

• Brand: Razer
• Storage: 512GB
• CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
• Memory: 16GB
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home
• Battery: Up to 11 hours
• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x MicroSD Slot, 1 x HDMI 2.0
• Camera: 720P
• Display (Size, Resolution): 13.4-inch, 3840 x 2100
• Weight: 3.09lbs
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Dimension: 11.61 x 7.81 x 0.59 inches
• Speakers: THX Spatial Audio 7.1 surround

Previous models of the MacBook Air didn't feature the Apple M1 chip. Therefore, it wasn't perfect for creative jobs, such as graphic design. However, since newer models now feature the chip, the MacBook Air can be seen as an affordable alternative to the MacBook Pro.

It boasts performance good enough for just about any kind of remote work. Content writers, teachers, and those who need to do many virtual meetings can easily use an older model. However, the newer version featuring the chip is a safe bet for all.

The MacBook Air 2020 boasts a high-quality HD camera, and thanks to its thermal efficiency technology, it can run all day without heating too much. It's ideal for working from home, or taking it with you when you need to work on the go.

• Thermal efficiency with no fan noise
• True Tone technology
• Touch ID

• Brand: Apple
• Storage: 256GB or 512GB
• CPU: M1
• Memory: 8GB
• Operating System: macOS
• Battery: 18 hours
• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
• Camera: 720p HD
• Display (Size, Resolution): 13.3-inch, 25600x1600
• Weight: 2.8lbs
• GPU: M1
• Dimension: 11.97 x 0.63 x 8.36 inches